Reducing Your Risk of Hearing Loss

There is currently no effective way to prevent congenital or genetic hearing loss. However, hearing screening for newborns can help ensure that hearing loss in young babies is detected and treated at the earliest possible stage.

The following are steps you can take to help prevent other types of hearing loss:

Avoid Loud Noises

Wear ear protection when you will be exposed to loud noises.

Wear Head Protection

Wear head protection when you are participating in activities that could result in head injury.

Prenatal Care

If you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor about prenatal care that may protect your baby from hearing loss.

Avoid Certain Medications

Certain medications may contribute to hearing loss. For example, some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs can damage the ear. High doses of aspirin can also increase the risk of temporary hearing loss or ringing in the ear. Talk to your doctor if you are taking any of these medications.

Stop Smoking

Smoke may act as a toxin, harm blood flow to the cochlea, or change blood consistency. Decreasing or quitting smoking may prevent or delay age-related hearing loss.

Prevent Ear Infections

Washing your hands often can help prevent colds and flu, which can increase the risk of ear infections and lead to long-term hearing loss. This is especially important for children.

Treat or Prevent Other Medical Conditions

A number of medical conditions can lead to hearing loss, especially if they are not treated properly. This is particularly true for ear infections, which occur often in children. But it is also true for cardiovascular diseases,
diabetes, and illnesses such as meningitis.

Address Nutritional Deficiencies

It may be possible to slow age-related hearing loss in elderly persons through dietary modification.

Get All Appropriate Immunizations

This is especially important for children and pregnant women given the increased risk that infectious diseases such as
rubella,
measles,
and
mumps
can lead to hearing loss. People at risk for the
flu
should get a flu shot each year to prevent respiratory infections that could lead to ear infection and hearing loss.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.